‘His mother is watching in Heaven’ - Shiels praises Josh Daniels

Simon Collins

JOSH DANIELS netted his first senior goal to spark Derry City’s comeback against Finn Harps last night and City boss, Kenny Shiels praised the talented midfielder for making such a vital contribution.

The 20 year-old Galliagh lad, who lost five members of his family, including his mother and sister in the Buncrana Pier Tragedy last March, has shown outstanding courage since his return to action last month.

He came off the bench against Harps for the final 12 minutes of last night’s North West derby with City trailing by Ryan Curran’s first half goal and converted Nathan Boyle’s cross to instigate the home side’s revival.

That goal was greeted with the biggest cheer of the night as the Brandywell crowd erupted and four minutes later Daniels slotted the ball through superbly to Rory Patterson, who side-stepped his marker and blasted into the far corner to give Derry the lead.

While former Candy Stripe, Sean Houston spoiled the party for Daniels and the Brandywell Faithful, the midfielder received high praise from his manager and teammates for his significant impact on the game.

“His mother is watching in Heaven, I’m sure,” said Shiels. “I’m really pleased for him. He’s a great boy, works hard in training. His family were great supporters of the club in attending matches regularly and I’m sure they will be high in his thoughts.

I said to him when he came on the pitch, ‘this is made for you’. When he got the goal I was delighted for him.

Aaron McEneff

“He set up the second one as well. And another sub, Nathan (Boyle) set up Josh’s goal. All three subs contributed to our domination of the game.”

And fellow City midfielder, Aaron McEneff said he was delighted for Daniels who he believes is a special talent.

“I said to him when he came on the pitch, ‘this is made for you’,” added McEneff. “When he got the goal I was delighted for him. I think all the boys were delighted for him. He’s a great talent and for what he’s gone through to take his chance and go on and score is unbelievable. Hopefully he can kick on now from here because he deserves it.”